Pd-Catalyzed AerobicC–H Carbonylative Esterificationof Imidazo[1,2‑<i>a</i>]pyridines with Alcohols asthe Carbonyl Source

A simple and practical method has been developed for the carbonylative esterification of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines via C(sp²)–H bond functionalization using alkyl alcohols under mild reaction conditions. The carbonyl fragment is sourced from radical-mediated C–C cleavage of the alcohols, providing a green, safe, and economic alternative to traditional carbonyl sources like carbon monoxide. Through this strategy, a number of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine-3-carboxylates were obtained from simple substrates by a single step.